The Andrews Labor Government is proud to back our Aboriginal businesses across Victoria

In 2022, Aboriginal startups in Victoria have received more than $1.4 million in funding to assist in harnessing the creativity of indigenous entrepreneurs across the nation.

Within the announcement, the Labor Government is providing $850,000 to help establish the first-ever cultural hub for Aboriginal entrepreneurs, which will be established by the Geelong-based organisation Ngarrimili.

By supporting Aboriginal businesses we’re creating new opportunities, encouraging economic growth and generating much needed local jobs.

Because listening to Aboriginal Victorians and acting on what they need to determine their own future is more important than ever.

All around the country, momentum for a Voice to Parliament is building.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have consistently called for self-determination, rather than symbolism, to make a real difference to their lives. Constitutional recognition through a Voice will give Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people agency to help inform decisions that impact their lives.

The Voice referendum will ask Australians to say Yes to a modest but meaningful change.

Two simple principles. Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution. And consultation. The simple, practical idea that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say in the policies and decisions that affect their lives.

Not just because that’s common courtesy, but because the outcomes for people will be better.

The Voice will be a national achievement in which every Australian can share.

Current policy-making does not have a systematic process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to provide advice, meaning that policy is often made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people rather than with them.

Australia has seen over two centuries of failed policies directed towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; policies created from government without enough engagement from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are directly affected by them.

Constitutional recognition through a Voice would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to give advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies that impact them through a simplified policy making process and structural change.

This means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are included in the law-making process, rather than having bureaucrats and politicians deciding what is best for them.

When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who know and understand the best way to deliver real and practical change in their communities have a say through a Voice, we will finally be able to close the gap that still exists between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.

This is why it is so important.

Last year, we were the first state in the nation to take action towards treaty – the success of treaty and truth processes demonstrate what can be achieved under the leadership of First Peoples.

Treaty is a significant step towards transferring power and resources to First Peoples so they can control the policies and programs that affect their lives, in line with supporting for Aboriginal self-determination.

This year, we’ll lead the nation in implementing all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Treaty, Truth.